Der Fernsehturm und die Elsenbrücke in Berlin.
© dpa
Faster than planned, the temporary bridge over the Spree River was opened to traffic on Wednesday (January 12, 2022).
Senator for Urban Mobility Bettina Jarasch opened the bridge at midday on Wednesday. The temporary bridge is intended to secure the traffic connection during the reconstruction of the Elsenbrücke, the eastern section of which has already been demolished. After measuring systems on the western part of the bridge sounded the alarm last December, the makeshift structure was completed faster than planned.
At the moment, the 1500-ton steel bridge is only open to motor vehicle and bicycle traffic. There are two outbound and one inbound lane for cars as well as a two-directional bike lane. A pedestrian path is also planned. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use the remaining western section of the Elsebrücke until it is demolished. The Parkweg bridge will also be available to pedestrians.
Senator Jarasch thanked all those involved for the rapid implementation: "Everyone involved can be really proud of this achievement of having completed the temporary bridge as the new Spree crossing so quickly. It was a wise and foresighted decision to commission and have the temporary bridge built in parallel with the demolition work."
The prestressed concrete bridge, which is more than 50 years old, was found to be severely damaged three years ago. Some bridge elements have already been demolished to make way for a new structure. The Elsenbrücke is an important traffic axis in the eastern part of the city. It connects the districts of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Treptow-Köpenick.